[MAIPC] USDA/APHIS intends to deregulate genetically engineered glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera

Wed Jan 4 06:02:22 PST 2017

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AGST2

introduced in Lower 48 states

Native

Introduced

Both

Absent/Unreported

Native, No County Data

Introduced, No County Data

Both, No County Data

 <https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AGST2> Native Status:

L48   

AK   

HI   

PR   

VI   

NAV   

CAN   

GL   

SPM   

NA   

From: Marc Imlay [mailto:ialm at erols.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2017 8:46 AM
To: 'Wildlife and Endangered Species Forum' <CONS-WPST-WES-FORUM at LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG <mailto:CONS-WPST-WES-FORUM at LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG> >
Subject: USDA/APHIS intends to deregulate genetically engineered glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera

I would also be very concerned.

The statement at the top of page 60 for example:

"Although conventional creeping bentgrass is rarely considered a problem weed . . . "

is not in alignment with my experience.

It will grow directly in standing water, both fully or partially submersed, as well as in wet meadows and along waterways.  It forms vast monocultures that choke everything else out, and becomes  

literally impossible to manage.   It thrives in disturbance. We have a  

wet meadow area that we are attempting to restore in Salt Lake County where this species simply grows over the top of almost everything else.

I would most certainly consider it to be a very problematic weed, as well as invasive, at least in our area.

And so is Polypogon monspeliensis, and it is also very difficult to  

remove/control as well.   Both of these species have spread into  

wetland areas all along the Wasatch Front in Utah and both exist now  

in almost every county throughout the state within natural areas.    

They are clearly not benign and should be of considerable concern, particularly with respect to the protection of wetland ecosystems.

This document seems to seriously understate the invasive potential of a transgenic hybrid and related risks given that it understates the already existing invasive nature of these two introduced species.

Tony Frates

Utah Native Plant Society

From: APWG [mailto:apwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org] On Behalf Of Lindsey Riibe
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 12:47 PM
To: native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org <mailto:native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org> ; Alien Plant Working Group <apwg at lists.plantconservation.org <mailto:apwg at lists.plantconservation.org> >
Subject: [APWG] Fwd: USDA/APHIS intends to deregulate genetically engineered glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera

The deadline for public comment is Jan. 9, next Monday.

  <https://public.govdelivery.com/system/images/30685/original/aphis_stakeholder_registry_usdalogo_banner.jpg> 

Final Environmental Impact Statement for Deregulation of GE Glyphosate-Resistant Creeping Bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is now making available a  <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/15_30001p_feis.pdf> final environmental impact statement (EIS) for public viewing/inspection, which evaluates the environmental impacts that may result from the deregulation of The Scotts Company (Scotts) and Monsanto Company (Monsanto) genetically engineered glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera).

This final EIS considered two alternatives: (1) take no action — APHIS would not change the regulatory status of the glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass (ASR368); or (2) approve the petition for deregulation. The final EIS affirms APHIS preferred alternative, to deregulate the glyphosate-resistant creeping bentgrass.

A 30-day public viewing period begins upon publication of the availability of the final EIS in the  <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/fedregister/EPA_20161209.pdf> Federal Register notice on Friday December 9, 2016.  Following the 30-day viewing period, APHIS will issue its record of decision for its final EIS, its final plant pest risk assessment, and final regulatory decision. 

To view the final EIS, and supporting documents, and to submit public comments beginning Friday December 9, 2016 through Monday January 9, 2017, please see  <https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=APHIS-2015-0096> Docket No. APHIS-2015-0096 on www.Regulations.gov <http://www.Regulations.gov> . The final EIS and preliminary Plant Pest Risk Assessment are also linked here:

Supporting Documents [see attached files]

 <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/15_30001p_feis.pdf> Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 

 <https://www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/15_30001p_pppra.pdf> Preliminary Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRA)

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